Iran Medical Council Journal of Iranian Medical Council 2645-338X 9 3 2026 07 01 Psychological Trauma Caused by War 547 549 246494 10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21812 EN Ladan Kashani Infertility Ward, Arash Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran Shahin Akhondzadeh Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2026 06 01 Psychological trauma resulting from war is not a new phenomenon; it is deeply rooted in human history. During World War II, many soldiers experienced what was then called “war fatigue” with symptoms such as severe trembling, dizziness, and hypersensitivity to sounds and other stimuli symptoms we now recognize as early forms of war-related mental disorders. These signs were the result of prolonged stress and the extreme pressures of combat. After the Vietnam War, the incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among American soldiers rose dramatically, with about 18.7% of veterans experiencing the disorder at some point in their lives. This experience showed that war trauma does not only lead to depression and anxiety; it can also contribute to personality disorders, suicide, and alcohol abuse (1,2).<br>A similar pattern has been observed in more recent conflicts, such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Studies show that soldiers repeatedly exposed to intense combat are about twice as likely to develop PTSD. This history underscores that the psychological consequences of war are not limited to the period of active conflict and can persist for years, even affecting subsequent generations. Chronic stress, fear, hopelessness, insecurity, and anxiety about the future become part of daily life for people living in war zones. The serious challenges and psychological pressures of crises and traumatic events pose a major threat to the mental health of entire communities (3).<br>Today, as Iran faces brutal and criminal attacks from a hostile American–Zionist enemy, and turbulent days unfold especially in cities like Tehran protecting mental health, alongside essential measures to preserve life, is critically important for our fellow citizens. https://www.jimc.ir/article_246494_a636ce7925719b9b8435675b573f17c2.pdf